For over a decade Gulf Coast Community Church of St. Petersburg had longed and prayed for a work to be established in the Brandon/Riverview area. Since its inception we have had families from this side of the bay drive the long distance week after week to be a part of the church.

In 2005 a Community Group was established in Wesley Chapel to care for those on this side of the Bay. Shortly after, Luan and Teresa Nguyen were installed as the Community Group leaders. Steven and Pam Brunson soon joined the church, and became an integral part of the group, including serving as its leaders for a period of time.

Over the years the group saw a number of changes, including meeting locations, leadership, as well as participants. But one thing remained a constant – our desire to see a church established in the area for the advancement of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We continued to pray for God’s direction, guidance, and his timing for the work to be established.

In July, 2015 the Elders of the church began a period of prayerful consideration concerning the work. After several months of prayer and study the Elders concurred that it was time to move forward with this work in Brandon.

This is an answer to our prayers of many years for this area. It is also our faith-filled response to Jesus’ command to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)

Our first Sunday service was held on January 24th, 2016 in the home of Vance and Terri Whitaker in Brandon. And, on June 5th, 2016 through the kindness of our friends at Brandon Christian Church, we held our first “public” service as a church in their facility. We praise God for his grace, mercy, and answer to our prayers.

Our Sunday services are held at 910 Bryan Rd, Brandon, at 9AM. All are welcome! We have childcare for children up to five years of age. We also meet during the week for Community Group where we share life together as God’s people.

This congregation is a “campus” church plant of Gulf Coast Community Church St. Petersburg. Luan Nguyen and Steven Brunson are the main Pastors/Elders responsible for this campus. As a campus, we have a shared eldership and administrative resources, which allow us to function with a plurality of elders and not be burdened by many of the administrative necessities which often weigh down a smaller church. Being a campus also allows the elders of the St. Petersburg campus to share in the preaching and teaching as needed, and for both campuses to join together in other kinds of events (from youth events, to festivals, to seminars, etc.)

Luan and his family came to Gulf Coast Community Church in 2004. He is a graduate of Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, MN (Master of Divinity, 2002). He has served as a Pastor vocationally since 1997 in Minnesota, Massachusetts and Florida. Luan has been married to his wife Teresa for 19 years and have two teenage children, Hannah (17) and Alexander (16). Click here to read Luan’s testimony.

Steven and his family came to Gulf Coast Community Church in 2005. He is a graduate of Southeastern University in Lakeland with a Biblical Studies major. He has served as a vocational pastor in Florida and Alabama since 1997. Steven has been married to Pam for 40 years and have three adult children, Joshua, Ranae and Maria, who are following the Lord and serve in various ministries at Gulf Coast.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact Luan or Steven at (813) 571-0866. You can also email Luan at [email protected], or Steven at [email protected].

See you Sundays @ 9am / 910 Bryan Rd, Brandon / gulfcoastbrandon.com